Eyelid Surgery or Blepharoplasty is the removal
of excessive, sagging or wrinkled skin, as well as fat and sometimes
muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. This treats eyelid hooding
and under-eye bags which can cause a tired or aged appearance.
Reconstructive eyelid surgery
is also performed when excess eyelid skin interferes with vision.
The result is a more youthful, rested appearance of the eyes, softening
of wrinkle lines, and widening of visual fields for partially blocked
vision.

Before
and After Eyelid Lift Photos

Click
on thumbnails to view before and after photos

Age:
Eyelid Surgery is usually performed in patients aged 50 and above,
although it can be done as early as the 20s or 30s for inherited
traits.

Surgical Technique:
Blepharoplasty removes upper eyelid skin and fat through an incision
hidden within the crease of the eyelid. The lower eyelid fat is
removed through an incision inside the eyelid (trans-conjunctival)
so that there are no visible scars. If there is a minimal to moderate
amount of excess lower lid skin, the wrinkled skin can usually be
treated with a chemical peel
or laser skin resurfacing.
Large amounts of extra lower eyelid skin may require an incision
just below the eyelashes to remove the skin for effective treatment.

Surgical Time and Recovery:
Eyelid Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia
and takes about 45 minutes for the upper or lower eyelids, or an
hour and 15 minutes for both together. Discomfort is minimal. Stitches
are removed in 5-7 days. Most patients are back to light work within
a week.

Notes:
Excess eyelid skin may be a sign of drooping eyebrows, in which
case a browlift is the
preferred treatment. In addition, many patients with concerns of
lower eyelid bags actually have a sunken appearance and would benefit
from fat transfer to fill
in the lower eyelid area, rather than fat removal.

Insurance:
Health insurance will sometimes cover the costs of upper eyelid
surgery if excess skin obstructs your vision. In this case, a visual
field exam documenting this condition, photographs, and authorization
from your insurance company will be required before the procedure.